Excitement filled the gym at Citadel Park School as student Theo Begin set a new world record.
With his classmates cheering him on, Begin, a grade 5 student at the northwest Calgary school, threw a frisbee 27 feet on November 25. He is now the World Flying Disc Federation record holder for the farthest distance a child in a wheelchair has thrown a frisbee.
Begin’s journey toward the record began in June when he met Rob McLeod, also known as Frisbee Rob, at school. A Guiness World Record Holder, McLeod worked with students at Citadel Park School as part of a residency there. When McLeod told Begin that he could attempt a world record of his own, Begin was immediately on board with the idea.
“Once he said that, I just said, ‘Yes I’ll do that,’” Begin explained.
With the support of his classmates and assistant principal Alison Bates-Church, Begin trained hard throughout the fall. He gave up his lunchtime recesses to practice his frisbee tosses in the gym.
“I tried throwing the frisbee different ways to see what would make it go the farthest,” he said.
Bates-Church, an ultimate frisbee player herself, was impressed by Begin’s determination.
“He never gave up even when his shoulder was getting tired,” she said. “He would say, ‘Just five more tosses, Mrs. Bates.’”
She added that the event was memorable for the school community, commenting on how Begin was able to bring everyone together.
“The celebration that the students had and the pride that they all showed in Theo was amazing,” Bates-Church said. “Their posters and the cheering and support that they gave him was just amazing.”
Begin was excited to see so many people supporting him. When he came back to class as a newly minted record holder, he received a standing ovation from his classmates.
“It’s like I’m a famous person — I came in like a celebrity,” Begin said with a smile.
For Bates-Church, the response to Begin’s accomplishment showed the impact a simple, positive action can have on a community. It also reminded Bates-Church of the important role teachers can play in helping students achieve their goals.
“It brings back that passion and spark, and it helps you remember why we came into this profession and the difference we really can make.” ❚
